Israel hits Gaza weapons storage facilities

The attacks early Thursday morning were in response to the nine rockets and shells fired from Gaza at southern Israel on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces.

Two of the mortar shells reportedly contained phosphorus, which causes severe burns and has been banned by the Geneva Conventions.

Israeli airstrikes also hit a terrorist tunnel in southern Gaza on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Israeli military. The tunnel was used to smuggle terrorists into Israel to commit attacks against Israelis, the IDF said in a statement. Palestinian sources said that at least one Palestinian was killed.

Rocket attacks on southern Israel from Gaza have increased dramatically following the opening of direct peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians in the region.